Shell LiveWIRE has launched a new interactive Internet site to unravel the mystery behind enterprise support and help stimulate business aspirations for young people in the region.

The North East portal, which offers a fresh focus on the world of business, was officially launched by Kate MacNaught, head of external business relations at One NorthEast.

Including up-to-date information specific to the North East, the IT gateway is designed to help 16 to 30-year-olds find a route towards starting a business with ease.

The regionally-focused format is set to be rolled out across the UK by Shell LiveWIRE, with the North-East service being the first to be launched.

Funded by One NorthEast, the service provides a central access point to various enterprise support agencies such as Business Links, Universities and The Prince's Trust.

The Be Your Own Boss pages feature essential information on all aspects of getting started in the North East.

The service provides an opportunity to find out more about individually-tailored Shell LiveWIRE services which, since 1982, have helped encourage nearly 500,000 young people across the UK to explore the option of starting their own business.

The portal links young people to intermediaries who can assist with business planning, sales, marketing and researching business ideas.

It also offers information on how to enter the Shell LiveWIRE Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

Switching the portal into life, Ms MacNaught said: "This site has been created to stimulate - not just educate - young people to develop their business vision."

Mike Owen, CEO of onebestway design and LiveWIRE regional award-winner in 1990, was at the launch to share his experiences of turning a start-up business into a success.

Now 13 years on, Mike, 34, employs seven people at his Newcastle-based design company.

He said: "The whole LiveWIRE process helped bring focus to our business ideas and winning the competition certainly improved the credibility of the company."

Log on to www.shell-livewire.org/northeast. Or for a free Essential Business Kit and Getting Started CD-ROM, lo-call (0845) 757 3252